Thursday, June 28, 2012

Paris is flickering with lights shimmering in gold. At night, one of the finest structure that is Notre Dameis as beautiful as it is during the day. Undeniably, a church that is 'toujours' (always) filled with tourists, next to La tour Eiffel. From afar, the church's facade is a perfect example of Gothic architecture, what was once considered as barbaric.More of this on my future post. ^0^

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

whoever said the Louvre is only about I.M Pei's glass pyramid is wrong. there is a vast space of architectural beauty inside out,as it was used to be the foundations of a medieval castle that housed french kings for centuries.

this photo was taken at the rear side of the museum, the Richelieu wing,and it lights up gorgeously at night.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

My first day in Paris, I was eager to see the Louvre, despite being tired from the flight, and almost getting lost inside the airport on the way to the hotel. (long story) ^0^

Of course, thanks to fellow blogger Peter, who has a blog called Peter's Paris. He quickly showed us the highlights of the city, gave us a bit of a heads up about local Parisians, familiarizing us with each arrondissement, believe me, digesting all this in just a few hours can be a bit confusing. ^0^

That night, we headed straight to I.M Pei's glass pyramid, and whoever said that it's a monstrosity, clearly hasn't been to Louvre at all.It looks spectacular at night as it is during day time, clearly a sight that is impressive.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

When it comes to accessibility, Paris is friendly.It has Metro stops, public buses, even Hop-on and Hop-Off buses.

If you're not in a rush to see all of Paris in an hour, then I suggest it's best to "wander" around.

The neighborhood along the Latin Quartier side, that is St. Germain des Prés is one of nicest walks I've had.

take a pause at either Cafe de Flore or the famous Les Deux Magots,the two cafés are always battling neck to neck though, mais, pas faire de exagér, ( not exaggerating ) both are "always" filled with people surtout les tourists,(especially tourists) but once inside, it is as if, you were back in the nostalgic days. It also used to be where famous writers used to hang out.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

One of the newest museum which opened in 2006
called Musée du Quai Branly,
that I have featured weeks ago was one of the sights you must see.

Apparently, this wasn't really on our to-go list, very naive me, didn't even know it was a museum~!

we were aiming for Eiffel tower that morning, but because the bus (L'open) didn't arrive on time (as usual),we opted to walk instead and was finally lured to this building which was literally beside it.

its façade, which has a stunning landscape inspired garden, filled with shrubs and greens,looks theatrical, that almost created quite a sensation when it first opened.

It was designed by architect Jean Nouvel and is always one of the most photographed by tourists and locals alike.

How we got there: By walking, head towards La tour (Eiffel Tower) and you could easily spot it on your way.
or take the Metro @ Alma Marceau station.

Friday, June 8, 2012

aka: the longer version that is Palais de Institut de France.seen across La Seine (Seine river),famous for its black and gold topped dome that was added in 1663.It was designed by Le Vau and was once a school,a prison and is now home to the Académie Française,which devotes mostly to arts, lettres and sciences.The interiors are not open to the public though.

well, it took me awhile to find its name.for a first timer in Paris,the domes from left to right can really be puzzling.and if you're a dome fanatic like me,you might want to have a handy map to appreciate Paris's structure.

how to get there: head to La Seine,infront of Pont des Arts, near Quai Malaquais

Monday, June 4, 2012

St. Sulpice was built by Daniel Gittard in 1646, accdg. by Ch. Gamard.
Not often visited, It is an example of a typical Baroque architecture,
that had a basilical construction with side aisles, transept and choir.

Upon entering on your right side is a fresco painting done
by Delacroix,
(but too bad I wasn't able to see it)
and artist like Pigalle's Virgin and child.

Its exterior may looked dull and unfinished but the interiors are worth the visit.

On one of the aisles though is a small chapel
dedicated to the Sacre-Coeur- (sacred heart )

This church was literally a few blocks away from our hotel.

It is said that during winter solstice, a ray of sunshine passes thorugh a hole in the upper window
of the south transept that marked points on the obelisk at midday.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

one of the newest museums here in Paris.,
that is a stone's throw away from Eiffel Tower is Museé Quai Branly.

The exhibit during that time,
featured [ Maori- leurs trèsors ont une âme. ]
The vibrant Maori culture from New Zealand,
too bad though, we didn't get a chance to see it, but
that didn't hinder tourists from waiting, despite the long queue.

The sleek lines and modern architecture is conspicuous inside out.

You could visit its official web for more info about this = Quaibranly.fr.

Friday, June 1, 2012

can you guess where in the world this is ?! the title's already the hint. ^0^

As much as I love BCN's cool weather,
the food and its intricate catalan architecture,I think I ought skip that page for awhile and
share with you the other half of my travel last December,so for these past few weeks, Here's a city that is also close to my heart. the enchanting, that is ... Paris.